Only one out of more than ten quarry sites inspected across two municipalities in the Greater Accra Region was found to be operating with valid documentation.
This follows a joint enforcement operation by the Minerals Commission and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
The operation, led by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission in charge of Small-Scale Mining and Industrial Minerals, Maxwell Yao Akpene Klu, also uncovered widespread regulatory breaches, including trucks transporting gravel and laterite without the required permits and weighing documents.
Firearms discovered at quarry site
The task force first inspected a quarry site at Shai Osudoku, where some foreign nationals suspected to be associated with the operation reportedly fled upon the team’s arrival.
A search of the site’s storage facilities led to the discovery of five pump-action guns. Further searches uncovered hideouts used by some workers, including Chinese.
However, none of those present claimed ownership of the firearms, while a police officer assigned to provide security at the site also denied any knowledge of the weapons.
Following the discovery and the operators’ inability to produce valid documentation, the Minerals Commission ordered the immediate temporary closure of the quarry pending further investigations.
Only one operator compliant
The inspection team subsequently visited several other quarry sites selected at random. Of all the sites inspected, only Eastern Quarries Limited was able to produce valid operating documents.
Officials found that several operators were still conducting business with licences that had expired as far back as 2022.
The task force also intercepted trucks transporting laterite from forest areas and discovered that virtually all of them lacked the required haulage permits and official weighing documents.
Workers raise safety concerns
Some workers at the quarry sites expressed frustration over their working conditions, alleging that they work seven days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. without insurance coverage or adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
The allegations have raised concerns about compliance with labour and occupational safety standards within the quarrying sector and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight.
State losing revenue
Speaking to journalists during the operation, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Maxwell Yaw Akpene Klu, said illegal quarrying and commercial sand-winning activities are depriving the state of significant revenue while causing environmental degradation.
“People are milking the state at the expense of the Commission. Sooner than later, we will catch up with them,” he warned.
Mr. Klu stressed that the Minerals Commission is not seeking to shut down legitimate businesses but expects operators to comply with the law.
“The Minerals Commission is not on a shutdown agenda. We are ready and willing to work with all operators, but we will not allow anyone to flout the laws of this country.”
He gave non-compliant quarry operators until 6 August to regularise their documentation or face sanctions.
The operation forms part of the Minerals Commission’s ongoing efforts, with support from NAIMOS, to clamp down on illegal quarrying and commercial sand-winning activities, improve regulatory compliance, protect the environment, and safeguard state revenue.
Source: 3News.com
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